Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by adminahb
Photo: Madison Stewart and Lantos.
The second World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week of the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit delivered top-tier hunter competition from start to finish. Featuring some of the best in the sport, the week gave riders the opportunity to earn valuable points toward national WCHR standings. Saturday’s action-packed schedule on March 14 included the highly anticipated $2,500 ClipMyHorse.tv Classic Qualifier, where junior rider Madison Stewart and Lantos delivered a standout performance to take the win, securing their spot in the 2026 $300,000 ClipMyHorse.tv 3’6” Open Classic Final at HITS Hudson Valley in September.
Ten competitors entered the Main Hunter Ring, all aiming to impress in a single classic hunter round, but only the top three finishers would punch their ticket to the Final. The beautifully designed course, crafted by Tim Hott, Tom Urban, and Kerry Kocher, demanded elegance and precision, making every jump count. Stewart and Lantos, her 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Vigo D’Arosouilles x Cantos), earned the high score of 89 from judges Robin Swinderman Mitchell and Dee Walker, claiming the lion’s share of the prize money.
“This is actually my third attempt at qualifying for this class,” laughed Stewart. “I know the drill now. I just wanted to be as smooth and consistent as possible since I didn’t have another horse to fall back on. My horse jumps so slow and high, so I wanted to make sure I could really let him shine.”
David Cameron and Chriszi Cruise to the Win in the $60,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix
Top talent in the jumper ring had their opportunity to shine as well, with action culminating on Saturday, March 14, in the $60,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. In an impressive feat for a relatively new partnership, David Cameron (AUS) and Chriszi edged out the competition in a blazing-fast jump-off time of 43.889 seconds.
Catsy Cruz (MEX) returned to craft a thoughtfully designed track and challenge the 24 horse-and-rider combinations in the starting field. With a variety of bending lines, related distances, and technical fences, the track narrowed down the list of jump-off qualifiers to only seven.
“We’ve only had him six months now,” said Cameron of the 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Christian 25 x Bockmann’s Lord Pezi) he co-owns with Molly Adams. “We bought him on a little bit of a punt. We knew the horse had plenty of ability and we were hoping he would reach his potential, and it seems like he is.”
For more information, visit HitsShows.com.